A religious
group is set to lead a protest of the San Diego Padres
"Pride Night" Sunday, July 8. The group, Set Free
Ministries, an El Cajon-based Christian ministry, told the
San Diego Union-Tribune that their concern is for the
straight parents and children. The "Pride Night" coincides
with a giveaway for anyone entering the park who is 14 years
old or younger. The Gay Men's Chorus will sing the national
anthem before the game.
"We're concerned about Christian parents and other parents
who do not want to have to answer at a ballgame why 'Adam
and Steve' are doing what they are doing," Pastor J.D.
Loveland of Set Free Ministries told the Union-Tribune.
The protest will involve the distribution of fliers warning
parents that gay people may be at the game, and dozens of
concessions workers associated with the ministry are
planning on walking out on the job in protest.
The Padres are staying out of the fray, saying that it is
simply a group sale. Almost every "gay night" or community
event at a ballpark is simply a group sale, including
successful events at the Philadelphia Phillies and New York
Mets. The teams don’t get involved with the organization of
the events other than providing the same support they
provide any other community night. The Padres’ "Pride Night"
will be during a game against the Atlanta Braves who last
year held a "Faith Night" at one of their games.
It will not be the first protest of a gay community day at a
ballgame. In 2003, religious conservatives, led by people
who were bused in from churches up to 180 miles away and
prompting the temporary creation of www.protestgayday.com,
which has since become defunct. More protestors turned out
than gay fans, and the Rangers have not hosted a similar
event since. In 2005, the Philadelphia Phillies Gay
Community Night was
marred by two protestors from Repent America who held a
banner reading "Homosexuality is Sin. Christ Can Set You
Free" for several innings while being guarded by stadium
security. Citizens Bank Park, home of the Phillies, has
since banned similar signs and banners.
